Welcome to the UCL Men’s Basketball Knights! ⚔️
The UCL Knights are one of the most diverse and successful sports societies at UCL. We put in the work off the court so that we can achieve our high team standards every time we step onto it, representing our team, university and the values that we stand for.
We welcome players of all abilities, be it for high-level competitive play, or recreational pick-up games, all for you to have the opportunity to train, improve, and compete with your peers in and around London.
Outside of basketball, we run weekly socials for the UCL basketball family, as well as a number of events and tournaments throughout the year. Our main goal is to create an inclusive basketball community centred around the various elements of competition, personal development, and team-spirit, encompassed by an inclusive social atmosphere.
Our four competitive squads play in both regional and national leagues and competitions:
1st TEAM
Our 1st Team plays at a high level in the BUCS 2A division. They train 2 times a week on Mondays and Sundays- as well as fixtures on Wednesdays.
- Captain: Fransisco Santos
2nd TEAM
The 2nd Team also plays at a competitive level in the BUCS League as well as the LUSL Competitive League. They train once a week on Sundays and fixtures take place on Wednesdays and on the weekend.
- Captain: Felix Pang
- Vice Captain: Tommy Lau
3rd TEAM
Our 3rd Team competes in the LUSL Intermediate League. They train once a week on Wednesdays, and fixtures will take place primarily on weekends.
- Captain: Sam Jencks
- Vice Captain: Michi Tett
4th Team
Our 3rd Team competes in the LUSL Intermediate League. They train once a week on Sundays, and fixtures will take place primarily on weekends.
- Captain: Akin Turkkorkmaz
- Vice Captain: Tom Hindley
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Leadership
- PRESIDENT: Will Beukers
- TREASURER: Togay Ata Gokalp
- VICE PRESIDENT (SQUADS): Bruno Bianchi
- VICE PRESIDENT (OPERATIONS): Prem Sodhi
- WELFARE OFFICER: Daniel Chan
General
- KIT OFFICER / DRIP COMMANDER: Daniel Hung
- SOCIAL SECRETARY & SOCIAL BASKETBALL OFFICER: Shenyuan Ng
- PHOTOGRAPHER & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Ayesha Yasmin Avuit & Ella Galmot-Kerr
SOCIAL BASKETBALL
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, we run social basketball for players of all levels to come train and play pick-up. We will also be helping to run the TeamUCL Intermural Basketball League for players looking to play casual and competitive games in an intermural league. This also gives unselected players an opportunity to work their way up into one of our competitive teams.
- Social basketball secretary: Shenyuan Ng
EVENTS
We will be running some great charity events throughout the year including an All-Star weekend and inter-club tournament, not to mention Varsity as well as trips such our yearly Paris basketball tour. These are not to be missed and are considered by many in the club as the highlight of the year. All the events and announcements for them will be made on our social media platforms.
TRIALS
Trials for the 2022-23 season will take place w/c 25th September 2023. Follow us to stay updated:
- Instagram: @uclmensbasketball
- Facebook: @UCL Men’s Basketball
GETTING INVOLVED
Meet us:
Team UCL Takeover - Wednesday 27th September 2023- Main quad - 11am-5pm
Welcome Fair - Saturday-Sunday 1st/2nd September 2023
We are holding a stall at the TeamUCL takeover and at the Welcome Fair. Come meet us there in us there in person to learn more about the club and what it takes to be a UCL Knight!
COVID-19 Update:
As COVID-19 restrictions and measures have eased, we are currently able to play basketball without restrictions. We are working hard to do our best to provide you all with opportunities to develop your game this year and so as the year goes by we will follow guidance from the UCL Student Union and Basketball England on return to play regulations.
Check out this link to learn more about Basketball England guidelines: https://www.basketballengland.co.uk/safeguarding/return-to-play-guidance/
As it stands, BUCS and LUSL competitive games will run as per usual at the beginning of term, and in addition to those we may organise closed door friendlies with other London universities to hit the ground running at the start of term. Follow our social medias for regular updates on return to play this year.
FAQs
1. When and where are trainings and social basketball conducted?
Trainings and social basketball vary in venue and time every weekend depending on match-days and events. Venues consist of:
- Somers Town Community Sports Centre- 134 Chalton St, London NW1 1RX
- New City Fitness- Redvers St, London N1 6NE
- London Metropolitan University Sports Centre- Science Centre, Hornsey Road London N7 7DD
- King Solomon Academy- Penfold St, London NW1 6RX
- Harris Academy St John's Wood- Marlborough Hill, London NW8 0NL
Follow our social medias for weekly updates and more information.
2. Will the society provide basketballs?
We will provide balls for social basketball, but it is STRONGLY advised to bring your balls.
3. When should I buy my membership?
You should wait until our free taster sessions and trials have taken place prior to paying for team membership or social basketball membership. After the first few weeks, you MUST pay for the respective membership in order to play competitively or pick-up - if you do not have a membership you will be unable to engage in team trainings. We will run membership checks every social session.
4. Can I bring friends outside of UCL to social basketball?
No, UCL basketball sessions are strictly for those who have paid for the respective membership. For more information please contact our President or Social Basketball Coordinator.
5. What if I really cannot attend the trials for teams?
If you have a valid reason for being unable to attend trials and are interested to try out for a team feel free to contact one of our team captains - their contact details can be found through our Facebook or Instagram pages. Alternatively, you can attend social basketball sessions and tournaments where we will be doing active recruitment. You can also email or message us.
7. Who should I contact for more specific questions?
You can ask question on the UCL Men’s Basketball Facebook page or directly contact anyone on our committee, and team matters should be directed towards captains. We are all very happy to help. Also, feel free to get in touch with our President or Treasurer, who should be able to answer any question related to the UCL Knights.
8. Who should I contact if I have any issues in the club?
Our Welfare Officer this year is Daniel Chan who is driven to ensure that all members of our club are treated fairly and with respect. He will be able to direct you to appropriate support services if needed, and deal with any inter-personal conflicts within the club.
9. How are you connected to the Women’s Basketball Club?
Women have a separate club but we maintain a close link with them and run many joint socials and events together, supporting each other in matches when we can. This year we are working on a weekly joint skills training session with the Women’s Club.
10. How can we sponsor your club?
We are welcoming sponsors this year, for sponsorship please contact our President at [email protected] for more information.
11. How can I join the NBA discussion group chat?
We welcome fans of all teams to our Whatsapp chat (including bandwagon Warriors fans), to join please purchase our free membership and contact us on Facebook or Instagram with your name and favourite team.
For any more questions feel free to contact us or any member of our committee directly.
This Club is Pride in Sport Accredited
